Look Up. Keep Back. Call Ahead.

Distribution and transmission power lines in Newfoundland and Labrador carry up to 735,000 volts. Heavy equipment and high voltage power lines do not mix, and people put themselves at extreme risk when they do not take the proper precautions before working around electricity.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro's (Hydro) top priority is to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and the public. In the past five years, Hydro has recorded over 40 electrical contacts with power lines. The majority of these have involved the use of large equipment such as excavators, booms, cranes, dump trucks and trailers. Other power line contacts have involved members of the general public engaged in construction projects around the home and tree trimming.

"Contact with power lines is extremely dangerous and can be fatal," says Jim Haynes, Hydro's Vice President of Regulated Operations. "One contact is too many. We are asking contractors, operators and the general public to be aware of the dangers associated with electricity and to take the appropriate precautions when working around power lines."

By taking the time to locate and ensure adequate clearances from overhead and underground power lines before beginning work, electrical contacts can be prevented. Anyone planning to work in close proximity to power lines must first call their utility provider to ensure they are within a safe working distance.

"Working around electricity requires your complete attention," says Haynes. "Accidents can be prevented with proper planning, worksite evaluation and adhering to safe distances and work practices."

Specific requirements for maintaining clearances and providing worker training are mandated by the province's Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Special permits are required when working close to energized power lines. Operators of equipment with the capability of contacting overhead or underground power lines must attend an approved "Power Line Hazards" safety course.

John Hollohan is Nalcor's Manager of Safety and Health. He believes these type of incidents are occurring because people are either not aware of the potential hazards that exist when working in close proximity to power lines, or they are so focused on the job they are doing they forget to step back and assess the risks appropriately.

"To be safe when working around overhead power lines, you need to slow down, look up, and assess your working environment," says Hollohan. "You learn valuable information if you have attended a power line hazards course, however you need to put this information into practice each and every time you work anywhere near electricity. One wrong move will change your life forever."

Hydro is working to continue to raise awareness among those who work around power lines, reminding them to take precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Everybody has a right to know the risks associated with their work and the hazard of working near power lines is no exception.

For more information on working safely around power lines, visit HydroSafety.ca or call 1.888.737.1296.